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Tributes From Times Readers Mattered Most

By Margaret Sullivan October 5, 2012 4:56 pmOctober 5, 2012 4:56 pm

After the death last week of the legendary and longtime publisher of the New York Times, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, tributes came pouring in – from politicians and statesmen, from high-powered journalists and family friends.

On Friday afternoon, hundreds of current and former New York Times employees gathered at the Times Center for a nearly hourlong session that was described as a celebration of the life of the man known as Punch. I attended, though I came too late to be in the crowded main hall, instead watching on video in an overflow room that was also full.

I thought that the readers of The Times should know that it was their tributes that the current publisher, Arthur Sulzberger Jr., said he found most meaningful.

In his introductory remarks – before introducing four speakers – he mentioned how touched he was by the readers’ comments, including those attached to the obituary from last Sunday, written by Clyde Haberman. Reinforcing that point, a 14-page special section, printed on newsprint for the attendees, included quotations from readers near and far, from Rhinebeck to Rome. They appeared with remarks written by The Times’s executive editor, Jill Abramson, the former chief executive Janet L. Robinson and the Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas D. Kristof.

One of the readers’ comments was from Thilde Peterson of Laguna Beach, Calif. It read, in part:

“I have most certainly benefited, over the course of my life, from the fruit of his vision, passion and sheer hard work. Mr. Sulzberger poured himself into The New York Times, the best newspaper I have ever had the pleasure of reading.”

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Liz Spayd is the sixth public editor appointed by The New York Times. The public editor works outside of the reporting and editing structure of the newspaper and receives and answers questions or comments from readers and the public, principally about news and other coverage in The Times. Her opinions and conclusions are her own. Read more »